Design events, fairs and festivals for your diary
Words Helen Brown
London has some incredible platforms showcasing the very best in design and interiors. Whether you’re a creator or a curator, there is a diary date for you. We’ve picked out some of the best design events of the year going forward. Time for a refurb? We think so.
 London Craft Week
This annual event returns with a showcase of the very best international and British creativity and craftsmanship. This third edition takes guests on a journey-of-discovery. The theme this year is ‘beyond-luxury.’ Expect over 200 events from all corners of the globe. The best in making, design, fashion, art, luxury, food, culture and shopping is on offer.
3-7 May
Various London locations, londoncraftweek.com
Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair
This fair brings over 150 exhibitors from the UK and Europe together under one marquee. It offers an unparalleled collection of antiques and 20th century design for interior decoration. It’s certainly an annual destination event for buyers, stylers and designers.
4-9 April
Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11; decorativefair.com
Do Ho Suh: Passage/s
Many of us know what it is like to have had more than one home. To have gone somewhere new, and started over. Whether it’s for education, work, adventure, or love, replanting our roots is a part of life. What makes a location a home is easy familiarity. It’s the harmony between us and the smells, textures, and spaces that we occupy. Contemporary South Korean artist Do Ho Suh presents a topical exploration of migration and the meaning of home.
Until 18 March
Victoria Miro, 16 Wharf Road, N1; victoria-miro.com
Midcentury Modern
Here lies a dangerously tempting selection for the home-proud. There is vintage furniture, lighting and accessories from the best in the business. It’s like visiting a design museum, except you can take pieces home. Collections span the globe, from Scandinavian Modernism to French and German Industrial. What’s more prices range from just £50 up to £5,000. We defy anyone to leave empty handed.
19 March
Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, SE21; modernshows.com
Design Undefined #3
For a show that made its debut last year, Design Undefined has an impressive reputation. The inaugural exhibition for Clerkenwell Design Week and its sequel during the London Design Festival were both tremendous successes. Now the discipline-jumping design event is back for a third edition. The venue itself is impressive. It’s a two-tier design store, fashion boutique and event space. As well as Wine Library, restaurant, bar and spa. It will bring together some of the most exciting creative talents. Fares span the realms of design, tech, graphic arts and woodblock printing.
23-25 May
155 Farringdon Road, EC1; clerkenwell-london.com
Rebecca Louise Law: The Iris
Rebecca Louise Law is famous for her ability to preserve and celebrate the natural beauty of the earth. This exhibition at the Now Gallery epitomises this. 10,000 fresh irises float from the ceiling in an impressive feat of creativity. Law’s palette of vibrant blue, purple, yellow and white irises draws nature into the gallery. This exhibition will change the way one sees and perceives a space.
From 2 March
The Gateway Pavilions, SE10; nowgallery.co.uk
Grand Designs Live
Discover the latest innovations, explore this year’s trends and preview unseen products. Grand Designs guru Kevin McCloud will again host this unique event. Nine days are packed with exciting, educational and interactive features. With over 500 exhibitors, there will be something for everyone. Explore six different sections covering build, kitchens, bathrooms, technology, gardens and interiors.
29 April – 7 May
ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, E16; granddesignslive.com
Fear and Love: Reactions to a Complex World
Networked sexuality, sentient robots, slow fashion and settled nomads. These are some of the themes explored in a series of newly commissioned works by the design museum. Design is deeply connected not only to commerce and culture but to urgent underlying issues. Issues that inspire fear and love. This is one of the design events you don’t want to miss.Â
Until 23 April
Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8; designmuseum.org
